Power-transmitting means by oscillatory movements



July 9, 1929.

G, H. SCHIEF'ERSTEIN POWER TRANSMITTING MEANS BY OSCILLATORY MOVEMENTS 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Julj 1s zcccccc y 9, 1929- G. H. SCHIEFERSTEIN 1.720.574

POWER TRANSMITTING MEANS BY OSCILLATORY MOVEMENTS Filed' July 18. 1922 2 Shets-Sheet 2 Patented July 9, W29.

mzatrt hurrah STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORG HEINRICH SUIIIEFERSTEIN, F BEBLIN-CHARLOTTENBUBG, GEBHANY.

POWER-TRANSMITTING MEANS BY OSCILLATORY MOVEMENTS.

hppllcation filed July 18, 1922, erial No. 575,894, and in Germanylt'ovcmber 10, 1921.

lily invention relates to the method and means for impartinq to an oscillatory system mechanical energy from an oscillating or reciprocating system, said energy being exerted by positive impulses substantially in synchronism with the first mentioned system.

Freely oscillating systems cannot be direct,

driven because the customary driving elements vary in amplitude from zero to a maximum and out of tune with the natural oscillation of the system to be driven, and in order to do this etliciently it provide an elastic or resilient connection between the driven and driving elements operating substantially in synchronism.

The mechanism comprises essentially an exciting or driving element; an excited or driven element, and resilient or elastic means between the elements and through which the as driving impulses are transmitted from one to the other in substantial synchronism to the periodicity of the driven element.

This elastic or resilient means, acting as a yielding coupling, may be termed a loose cou- W phng, and may consist of a spring, a magnetic i on opposite sides of a piston transmit the movements of a cranlr to the reciprocating, vspririg-supported cylinder.

Fig. 3 is a form illustrating the use ol'gas cushions.

Fig. 4c is a form from which the relative ethciency of two systems may be ascertained.

Fig. 5 shows a construction for driving a reciprocable element from a crank drive through an oscillating member.

Fig. 6 is a clock mechanism employing the principles of my invention.

big. 7 shows another form of pendulum operation.

Fig. 8 shows a balance wheel mechanism). ll lg. 9 shows the manner of operating a flBXlblG blade.

Fig. 10 shows the manner of operating a reciprocating cross head.

Fig. 11 shows a steam engine and connected cushioning pistons.

Fig. 12 represents an explosion engine.

Fig. 13 illustrates the application of the in vention to a percussiontool.

Fig. 14 shows an electric armature mounted upon a spring. a 1

Fig. 15 illustrates an electrical and mechanical oscillating system combined.

Fig. 16 illustrates a three phase oscillating armature mounted upon a torsional axle.

till

Fig. 17 illustrates a repulsion motor whose caused to move to and from a path whose length is determined by the eccentricity of the crank 1 and flexurc s produced in one direction or the other in spring 6. The tension in spring 6 is transferred to oscillating sys tem 3, d, which at small numbers of rotation of crank 1 is moved but small distances from its middle position in opposite directions, but upon increasing the speed of the crank the amplitude of movement of the oscillating sys tem 3. 4. will increase and the greatest amplitude will be attained when the number of revolutions of the crank reaches the frequency of natural oscillation of the-system, i. e-., resonance or synchronism. If the number of revolutions of the crank exceed this the h ll amplitude of the system will suddenly as crease to approximately zero. i

I It will thus be seen that by inserting a resilient or elastic member such as 6 between a crank mechanism and an oscillatory system, the latter can be excited to oscillate freely and the maximum effect will be attained it the number of revolutions of the eranlr is tuned to the natural frequency of the oscil latory system. The resilient member d is the loose coupling and compensates for 'difierences in amplitude between the crank and system and at the same time transmits to the system the energy temporarily consumed by damping. Such a-couphng is ca stationary supports 22.

pable of continuously transferring ener to an oscillatory system and will accommo ate itself automatically to varying amplitude of the system.

v The less the effect. transmitted the looser will the coupling act, and the greater the effect transmitted the closer will be the coupling, i. e. approaching a Ilgic' connection. The rod 7 is guided in bearings 8 and the rod 3 in bearings 9, While the spring 4 is sup-port ed at 10. I

The amplitude of the system is entirely dependent upon the damping'of the system, and if the damping decreases, the amplitude increases but the energy transmitted by the coupling will not be altered.

The foregoing is true if several oscillating systems are connected together, as for example in Fig. 1 where a second system 11, 12 is connected to the system above it by a spring 13. v

Fig. 2 shows, by way of example, a construction when air cushions 17 and 18 are used as the elastic means or coupling between the exciting system 14, 15, 16, and piston 20, operating on the excited system comprising a cylinder 19 supported by springs 21 between In Fig. 3 both systems use air cushions, wherein the cushions 17,18 pertain tothe exciting system and the cushions 23 and 24 to the excited system;

- In Fig. 4 is shown another form of an oscillating system of the kind described, provided with means for measuring the output or etlieiency. To the movable part on rod 25 is secured a light-bar 26 by means of two arms 27 that is provided with a recording stylus 28. Inasmuch as the bar 26 shares the movement of the rod 25, thedeflection may recorded each time upon aistrip of paper travelling'over a paper support past the point 28.

A brake block 29 is secured to the rod 25,

which is retained between two coil springs 30 and 31, and is so arranged as to, lie-tightenedmore or lesstotheshaft. Upon movlngtherod '25 in one direction the brake block 29 is carried' along until the increasing tension of one I of the springs 30 or 31 overcomes'the friction -on the rod 25 and causes the brake block to slip. From the'force with which the springs 30, 31 are compressed up to the slipping point,

and the path of movement of the brake block upon the rod 25, the force may be calculated. The values of both elements are determined from the curve drawn by the recording pin 32 on the brake block 29. The output energy consumed by the braking action, divided by the power supplied, is equal to the degree of efficiency.- I on the one hand an elastic os-' 'cillating s stem provided with elastic coupling mem er is used, and on the other hand, a ri id system is employed, by the removal oft 1e springs 33 and 34 and the insertion of a rigid connection between the members 2' 1,7ao,o74 e 7 energy supplied may be adjusted and gauged far more delicately. By this means I am enabled to produce watches with perfectly noiseless operation.

We ma also assume that the elastic coupling me ium is not enclosed at all in cylinders, but that, for instance, an oscillating plane produces oscillations in the surrounding atmospheric air which are re-transmitted to the surface, and in this manner effect a transmission of energy. The transmission of energy by elastic coupling in accordance with my invention is, therefore, based upon .the fact that in the intermediate member connecting the systems, stresses are produced and are conveyed from it. This may take place durin oscillating movement as well as during the orward and backward movement separately. In the latter case a kind of valve action would be the result. Inasmuch as the systems excited in this manner, and shown in Figures 1 to 4 constitute oscillatable structures consisting of-elastic means and masses, the transmission of energy'follows a resonance curve. That is to say with a number of revolutions commencing with zero the output first rises very slowly, and then gradually increases, so as to reach the maximum value when tuning synchroni sm is reached, and decreases again beyond synchronism. In the same manner the efficiency co-efiicient reaches its maximum value directly before reaching synchronism. Now, inasmuch as it appears from the above statements that the individual oscillating periodofthe oscillatable system, and consequently the resonance position and the value of maximum efiiciency, may be displaced so as to be positioned at any point of the oscillation scale, the designer construct ing such a system is at liberty, in accordance with this invention, to utilize reciprocating movements of any desired number of oscillations with a high degree of efficiency.

In Figures'fi'to 17 I have illustrated by way of example mechanisms embodying the prin ciples of my invention'in practical operation.

In all these figures the fundamental elements are designated with the same reference charac'ters.

/ In Fig. 5 the-oscillating system comprising the pendulum rod 38 audits bob 39 is excitedby the crank drive 40, a1 through the system 38, 89 this efl'ect may be pro spring 56 which is eacited by the crank medium oil an elastic coupling 42 formed as a tlat spring and to which the pitman rod 41 of the crank drive is secured. @uch a construction yields work in the term of reciprocating movement. Thus, for instance, the system may be applied to the pitman of a mowing machine orthe like. llpon the rotation'of the crank t the coupling l2 by Whichthe displacement of its lastening members 43 and 44 may be loosened or tightened moreorless,may be flexed in the first place. its oscillations are transmitted to the system 38, 39 which is tuned in phase with the crank drive by displacement of the mass or by other means. A fastening member 45, adjustable along the pendulum rod 38, has pivoted thereto a rod which transmits the desired output from the system, that is to say, it sheets the damping oil the system by a withdrawal ol output. If it is desired to change the dampin ot the need by displacing the fastening member, to. 1

Figure 6 represents diagrammaticaly a clock mechanism, some of the parts of which are constructed in accordance with the device hereinbel'ore described. The oscillating sys tem in this case, however, is termed by a pendulum, that is to say, by a mass l7 oscillating in the held of the earth, the latter in this case talring the place of the elastic medium, For the purpose of maintaining the oscillations, energy is supplied to the pendulum by means of the weight 48, through a train of gearing ill, a crank drive so, 51 and spring 42. The pendulum in its turn controlling an clock work, reacts in a controlling sense, that is to say does not permit the crank to make more than one rotation for each oscillation of the pendulum, 'lhe gauging oil the ratios of energy is etlected by the displacement of the V fastening members 43 and it, tor the coupling spring at; that is to say, by a change of coupiling. I I v i igure it shows another modification, which lilrewise adapted tor the control at mechanisms tor-the measuring'ol time (clocks, or the like) by means of swinging systems. 'lhe pitman rod 41,51 is omitted, and the elastic coupling in this. a single element, a coil spring 5% between the cranlr 53 and the pendulum.

lln Figure d l have shown a controlling mechanism tor cloclrs and the like in which instead ot the pendulum swinging in the field ot the earth ll use a spring balancing member, that is to say, a swinging systemconsisting of or collecting spring o land an oscillating massi tilt in this case the elastic couplg is a spimeclianism Ed, 58, 59.

lie

Figure 9 the crank 5i operates oscili l lting flexible surtace by means ol the ela tic coupling bl. ll a surtace ot this kind,

which in itsellpossesses both elasticity as well as mass, is excited with regard to its own dicated in dotted lines in Fig. 9, and will impart a movement to the surrounding air,

which is indicated by arrows in the drawing, and which is suflic'iently known by the procedure of fanning. The degreeofefliciency of devices of this kind is highly satisfactory provided the elastic blade is not strained befvond its'limit of elasticity, so that devices 0 this kind may be used in all those conditions of operation Where heretofore rotating propellers b have been used. It, therefore, results that devices of this kind may also be employed as propelling members for sliding boats and ships in water and in the air, and for the driv-' ing of sleighs and automobiles and for avia two purposes.

It is obvious that a great variety of forms of execution may be employed; thus, for in stance, the elastic coupling 61 instead of con taining a spiral spring may be replaced by springs, such as are shown fore'xample in Figs. 1,4, 5,6 and 10, Moreover, the oscillatmg surface may be connected directly with an oscillating or reciprocating member of a motor, which in its turn is elastically coupledto a source of energy,'and as such I may use, for example, the armature of an electric motor, Figure 15, or the PlSiJOIl of an explosion en- 'gine, Figures 11 and 12.

In Figure lOa crank mechanism is shown driving a cross-head. The elastic coupling member is here shown to consist of a flat spring .62, and the oscillating system 63, 64% is represented by a cross-head 63 mounted in a. sliding surface and the spiral springs'fid, 6d.

In this case likewise the collecting springs may be *flat springs, and it would be possible in this connection to make use of air cushions or the like, instead of steel springs, .as "in Figs. 2 and 3.

If the mechanism according to this invcn tlon is employed In connection with explosion engines, steam engines, or other power engines the following possibilities will result: First, the elastic means of the oscillat- 'ing system may beloc ated outside of the I 1 working cylinder'in the form of springs or" as separate compression cylinders as shown in Figure ll; or, second,.th e compression chambers which serve for the'collectlon or" accumulation .of energycoo erate with the" working chambers which are intended for the subsequent furnishing of the. energies to be consumed, as shown in Figure 12. 7

InF'gure 11 the working chambers of a two cycle engine are indicated at I, and ill, I

for example,'in a steam engine. The

sion is e acted in the chamber ,8, while by movingthe piston tothe left, a compression piston '65is moved'b the entering steam to the left and right in t is chamber, and in this move-, rment it carriesthe two pistons 66, 66 com "nected therewith, along with it. If the piston is dis laced, toward the right a compres is effected in the chamber a; The mass 66, 65, 66 in combination with the compressed air cushion represents the oscillating system which assumes an amplitude of more or less extent in accordance with the amount of steam flowing into the working cylinder.

Figure 12 shows by way of example, an embodiment of my invention in a four cycle explosion engine in which the explosions in the several cylinders take place, for instance in the succession I, IV, II, III. Directly before the explosion period there will be inserted in every case the compressed cushion of air, which in the present instance is used at the same time for the accumulation of energies of oscillation. Any energy to be transmitted to the outside is transmitted in this case from the rod connecting the pistons.

In Fig. 13 the invention is shown as applied to the mechanism of a percussion tool in which the elastic coupling 67 is excited by a rotating electric motor 68, crank 69 and crank rod 70. This elastic coupling transthe action of the elastic means, as in a mits its tension to the hammer 71 which is mounted within the springs 7 2 and is retained thereby. As soon as the motor rotates with a number of revolutions coinciding with the oscillations of the system 71, 72, the total output is transmitted to said system 71, 7 2, and may be utilized for practical purposes in the shape of'chiseling, riveting or other percussion work or the like. It is, of course, possible also in this case to use air cushions instead of steel springs, for the purpose of coupling as well as for the purpose of accumulation of energy, as in Fig. 3. Moreover, it is possible without further change to employ a fluid, for instance, compressed air, as the operating energy, provided this is done in accordance with this invention so as to cause the operating energy to excite in tune an o scillatable system with a decided individual oscillation.

It has already been pointed out that every oscillatable mechanical system will present both the characteristics of the mass itself,

as well as elastic properties. It follows,

hbwever, from what has been stated above, that the elastic means may assume very different external configurations; thus, for example, visible springs have been employed in connection with some ofthe systems, while in other systems invisible earth-field performs endulum. But it is not only the earth field that may be used as a substitute for the elastic means, but in a general way any field of force may be utilized for the production of mechanical oscillations in combination with a mass; and of these, electric and magnetic fields of force are particularly adaptable.

mechanically oscillating system and in the armature 73 of which an alternating field is created, adapted to impart an oscillating mo tion to the armature between two field poles 'n and 8, which may be permanent magnets or may be electro-magnets; that is to say, the

armature is rotated to one side, and then to the other side. From this it will be seen that the oscillating movements referred to may be greatly assisted by a torsional spring 7 4 so as to produce an increased action. Thus, the magnetic alternating field constitutes in this case the elastic coupling, it being evidently immaterial whether this alternating field is produced in the armature or in the magnet.

Figures 15 to 17 illustrate a few additional forms of the invention as applied to oscillating electric motors of dynamo machines.

In Figure 15 a mechanical system is connected to the armature of an oscillating motor, which may, for instance, be constructed as in Figure 14, and the mechanical sys tem may be constructed as in Figure 9, so that upon the oscillation of the armature the mechanically oscillating system consisting of the vane or blade 75 is made to oscillate, and becomes adapted to produce work by moving a gaseous or liquid agent. By this means a simple oscillating electrically operated propeller is obtained which in the case of tuned systems is of superior efiieiency, and which may be employed in different places for the feeding or the propulsion of gaseous and liquid substances or for starting purposes.

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic illustration of an armature oscillating in a'torq ue field. This armature also, as shown in Figure 14, has to be connected with anelastic member, as a torsion spring, to tune the armature in conformity with the period of the triphase current. By exciting the armature by means of a torque field it will first be moved in the direction of the field, and thereby produce a steadily increasing tension in the elastic member. B means of this tension the slip between t e torque field and the armature is augmented, until the action between the field and the armature changes its direction and the armature is repulsed and oppositely rotated assisted by the'tension of the elastic mem her. In view of the fact that this procedure will be constantly repeated, the armature is rapidly oscillated.

The motor engines represented in Figures 14 and 16 may be regarded as of the synchronous type, inasmuch as they operate at the same ratio as the exciting alternating current. It is, however, also possible to construct asynchronous motors according to my invention, as shownby way of example in Figure 17. The armature 76 of the motor,

Figure 17, is provided with a so-called repul- S1011 winding which consists ordinarily of the coils 77, 78 and 79in the normal operation.

If the two magnetic coils 80 and 81-are excited by an alternating current that armature coil,- as is well known, is attracted to the pole which is short circuited. Thus, for-instance, if in the position of the drawing in which the coil-77 is disposed between the poles, the coil 78 is short-circuited, the armature would per the coil 79 after the short-circuiting form a corresponding movement in the clockwise direction. For rotating a motor of this kind it would be necessary to short-circuit of the coil 78, and then short-circuit the coi so on. But if the motor is to be oscillated, the coils should be short-circuited in anothelorder, coil 77, coil 78, coil 77 coil 78, and so on in succession; that is to say the coils 77 and .78 are alternately short--circuited, and the asynchronous motor is obtained. In order to I varying the individual periods) the particu-' perform oscillations of a certain velocity it may be connected .to an elastic member which possesses an oscillating period of its own. in

conformity with the mass of the armature of the motor. By suitablytuningthe parts (by lar motor may be adjusted for any desired number of oscillations.

In order to be able to tune any of the sys-' tems above described in con formitywith any system or of the individual oscillating period of the excited system. The object last mentioned may be performed by the displacement of the elastic means, thus, for instance, of the point of fastening of springs, or of the end of a compression cylinder, by which means the compression space is reduced; or by the control of valves and by a changing of the pressure with which the valves are forced upon their seats, or by a change of the gas mixture, or of the gas or steam pressure, and

by equivalent means.

i The invention is obviously not restricted to the particular forms of application heretofore shown and described, but, it is susceptible of a great many modifications and changes, both in operation and in the arrangement of parts, and it lends itself to various other applications different 'from those heretofore mentioned, and without deviating from the spirit of the invention the scope ofwhich is hereinafter expressed in the claims.

By oscillation I mean to include the ro- 77,and

.tar and swinging an -fro movements.

I claimv.

1. In an energytransmitting mechanism, a mass, means to mount the mass to rmit. j

well as rectilinear toas;

it to freely oscillate, driving means or the mass, means included between the driving a mass, means to mount the mass to freely V oscillate in Its natural eriod, driving means for said mass, means included between the". I

driving means andmass to permit a variation of amplitude of the mass with respect to the amplitude of the driving means and transmit' to, the mass the amount of energy nece'ssary tocompensate'for the damping thereof without varying the natural oscillations-of the mass, and means to adjust the oscillaj tions of the mass substantially to the oscillations of the driving means.

3. Inan energy transmittingmechanism, amass, means 'to. mount the mass to oscillate in accordance with its inherent oscillation, driving means for: the mass, resilient means the mass topermit a variationof the ampli- 'tude of the mass with respiect to the driving means and to transmit to t e mass an amount of energy substantially equal to the damping ofthe mass without changing its period of oscillation, said mass being suitably selected to substantially time the vibrations of the other system in accordance with this inven tion it is necessary to provide for" variation of the number of revolutions of the exciting mass tov the driving means.

4. In an energy transmitting mechanism,

freely, driving means forthe mass, elastic means between the mass and driving means to permit the mass to vary its amplitude with respect to the driving means and transmit energ to the mass as required to compento permit the mass to vary. its am litude with respect to the amplitude of the riving means and transmit an amount of energy to the mass to compensate forthe damping of its oscillations but not sufficient to change the oscillating period of the mass. 1

6. In an ener transmitting mechanism, a mass, adj us'tab e means to mount said mass to freely oscillate, driving means for the included between the driving mechanism and 95 a mass, means to mount the mass to oscillate 105 mass, means included between the driving means and mass to permit the amplitude of the mass to vary with respect to the amplitude of the driving means and transfer an amount of energy to the mass to compensate for the damping thereof without changing the period of oscillation of the mass.

7. In an energy transmitting mechanism, a mass, means to mount the mass to freely oscillate, means to drive the mass, and adjustable means included between the driving means and mass to permit the amplitude of the mass to vary with respect to the amplitude of the driving means and transfer an amount of energy to the mass to substantially compensate for the damping of the mass but insufficient to change its free oscillation.

8. In an energy transmitting. mechanism, a mass, means to mount the mass to freely oscillate, means to drive the mass including an oscillating member, means included between the mass and driving means to transfer to the mass an amount of energy substantially equal to the dam ing of the mass without altering its nature. period'of oscillation.

9. In an energy a mass, means to mount the mass to freely ing of the system oscillate, driving means for the mass and means included between the driving means and mass to permit the mass to vary its amplitude with respect to the amplitude of the drivin means and transmit to the mass from the driving means an amount of energy to compensate for the damping of the mass without changing the periodicity of the mass and equal to smV.

10. In a device of the character described, an isochronally reciprocating part, elastic means connected with the mass to receive and store the kinetic energy of the mass, said mass and elastic means forming an oscillating system having a period of oscillation and a crank and a pitman, energy transferring means to connect said pitman to the system to compensate the damping of said s stem without altering the natural periodicity of the art.

p 11. In a device of the character described, an isochronally reciprocating mass, adjustable elastic means connected with the mass capable of storing kinetic ener of the mass, said mass and elastic means orming an oscillating system oscillatable in its own period, a driving crank and pitman, energy transferring means connecting the crank and pit-- man to said system to compensate the dampwithout changing its isochronism, said crank rotating substantially with the oscillations of the system.

12. In a device of the character described, a reciprocating mass, adjustable elastic means connecte therewith capable of taking up and storin the kinetic energy of the mass, said mass an means forming an oscillating system, a crank and pitman energy transfertransmitting mechanism,

ring means to connect them with said system to transfer to the system energy suflicient to compensate for the damping of the system without changing the periodicity of the mass.

13. In mechanism for transmitting energy, a mass, means to mount said mass to oscillate freely in natural oscillations, driving means oscillating mass.

14. Inmechanism for transmitting power, a mass, means to mount said mass to oscillate freel in natural oscillations, drivin means for t e mass and means interposed etween said driving means and said naturally oscillating mass to permit themass to vary its amplitude of movement with respect to the amplitude of the driving means, but insufficient to vary the frequency of the natural oscillations of said mass, means to tune said driving means and said naturally oscillating mass, said interposed means being sufiicient to transfer such amount of energy as to compensate the damping of the oscillating mass and amounting to SmV.

15. In mechanism for. transmitting energy,

a mass, means to mount said mass to oscillate freely in natural oscillations, driving means for said mass andmeans to tune said driving means and said naturally oscillatin and means interposed between said driving means and said mass to vary its amplitude of movement with respect to the amplitude of the driving means and to transfer such an amount of energy as to compensate the dampingof the oscillating mass ut insufficient to var the frequency of the natural oscillations 0 said mass, said interposedmeansadapted to be adjusted for the mass amount of energy required'to be transmitted.

16. In a device of the character described, an isochronally reciprocating part, elastic means-operatively connected to the reciprocating part adapted to absorb and restore the momentum thereof the said elastic means. being loaded by said parts forming an oscillatory system adapted to be driven at the natural period of reciprocation thereof, and a crank and pitman operatively connected to said oscillator system and having substantially correspon in frequency, and a second and weaker e astic means connecting the crank and pitman and the oscillatory system.

' 17. In a device of the character described and in combination,- an isochronally reciprocatin part, elastic means operativel conreciprocating part, both v 1' to absorb and restore the momentum thereof, said elastic means being loaded by'said reciprocating part and both parts forming an oscillatory system driven at. the natural periodof rec1procation thereof, and a. crank and pitman operatively connected to said oscillatory system and having corresponding frequency, and a second and weaker elastic means connected between the crank and pitman and the oscillatory system, and adjusting means operatively connected to said sec ond elastic means. a In testlmony whereof I aflix my s1 ature.

GEORG HEIRRKCH SCHlEFERSTElN. 

